Job Description:

IEA Company of EverWatch Corporation is looking for Architect for Department of State in Arlington, VA. As an Architect assigned to the Architectural Design Division of OBO/PDCS/DE, the contractor performs a wide range of expert-level professional architectural design functions that support construction, repair, and renovation projects at diplomatic posts overseas. In furtherance of these responsibilities, the Architect performs tasks and assignments that typically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

Serves as a key resource in the evaluation and selection of new embassy sites; works in partnership with appointed real estate specialists in reviewing sites for conformance to facility requirements; makes technical recommendations regarding the lease or purchase of land or improvements based on examination of surveys, plans, and specifications; determines suitability for use, structural soundness, environmental value, esthetic appropriateness, and costs; prepares design studies indicating how properties may be utilized or improved, and employs creative site design techniques to create more site acquisition opportunities on sites of limited size; and guides site selection teams in identifying site development costs and establishing the project budget;

Participates in the evaluation, selection, and negotiation of architect contracts; acts as an advisor to commissioned architects and as technical coordinator of projects between the Department and the posts; reviews preliminary designs for program conformity, technical sufficiency, and general suitability; participates in guidance of design to acceptable solution of problem areas and recommends approval or modification necessary to obtain desired results; participates in value engineering studies’ and examines and evaluates the commissioned architect’s cost estimates and recommends adjustments as necessary;

Coordinates with other offices regarding structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements of projects and with interior design and furnishing groups regarding space planning, finish and color schedules, furniture, etc.; reconciles design issues among the design disciplines; reviews working drawings for conformity with good construction practices, use of materials, ease of maintenance, economy, and quality of appointments; oversees review of plans and specifications for fire protection, physical safety, and adherence with applicable building codes; organizes and leads Integrated Design Reviews; and evaluates performance of commissioned architects regarding adherence to contract terms, work progress, and payment for services;

Participates in the preparation of preliminary and final design of projects for which no contract architects are commissioned; prepares sketches illustrating possibilities for development of the work performed; and travels as required to inspect, consult, and negotiate when on-site knowledge of conditions is necessary;

Participates in the analysis of bids and provides input into recommendations for award of construction projects; resolves problems submitted from the field and makes recommendations on change orders, time extensions, cost increases, and similar contractual matters; advises field supervisors (Project Directors), as necessary, on intent of drawings and specifications, substitutions, etc.; maintains comprehensive files on active projects from date of commissioning to completion of design and authorizes architectural design changes that become necessary during construction; and participates in post-occupancy evaluation as a member of an interdisciplinary review team;

Develops guidelines and presentation formats for architectural firms being considered for specific construction projects; authors, in whole or in part, and periodically modifies the Bureau’s standard and design criteria and other criteria documents; and negotiates with host country officials on matters pertaining to design approvals, construction permits, and zoning changes;

Remains abreast of the latest developments in architecture and related disciplines by review of literature and by attending technical conferences, professional society meetings, and discussions with industry representatives and other professionals; and evaluates new materials and designs with construction processes and techniques, discusses with project managers, and recommends adoption of those that would provide a more economical solution while meeting the needs and requirements of the facility and the client;

Serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME), advises the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), responsible for controlling the management of government funds in the design and construction of overseas facilities or supporting programs; and serves as Code Official on the design and construction of government facilities, ensuring that facilities are safe, secure, and fully functional, and adjusting discrepancies in interpretations of the Code and serving as an SME on such issues - in performing these functions, the contractor:

Establishes priorities and deadlines and reviews work to ensure adherence to program policies and priorities;

Represents the government regarding national and international partnership agreements and commitments;

Approves statements, interpretations, or clarification of U. S. policy, in response to inquiries from the public, press, or elected representatives, that determine or advance U. S. interests;

Reviews test and other certification requirements;

Performs quality assurance on contractor work;

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SHALL INCLUDE:

Experience and capabilities to function as design managers for technical teams.

Mastery of the concepts, principles, and practices of professional architecture, combined with design development techniques and related construction techniques and criteria, in order to identify, analyze, design, and provide advice on unusual or complex issues; modify existing techniques and/or develop new methods and approaches to solve complex architectural problems; and provide expert advice on a wide range of Bureau architectural projects.

Working knowledge of related engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical.

Ability to develop design, architectural, interior design, and related engineering criteria or instructions for specific facilities and ensure that new developments, methods, techniques, or experimental theories for improving designs, standardizing common facilities, and producing quality designs are examined to enable the Bureau to solve problems not readily treatable by standard, acceptable methods and carry out the Department’s mission.

Highly developed oral and written communications skills in order to confer with and advise employees, contractors, and officials throughout the Department on assigned projects; participate in and conduct lectures and briefings; articulate and defend recommendations and decisions; produce coherent reports, policy recommendations, guidelines, and instructions; offer expert technical advice on architectural systems and standards; and recommend solutions to complex, highly technical architectural problems.

Experience and Skills:

Professional Licensure: A professional license as an Architect in a state, district, or territory in the United States is required for this position.

The Architect must be granted at a minimum, an interim Secret security clearance prior to entry on duty, and then obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance throughout the period of employment.

The Architect must be available for overseas travel. Normal required travel is up to 2 weeks, but occasional travel may extend to 3 to 4 weeks under special circumstances. International travel can be arduous due to long transits, delays, and time zone dislocation. Medical precautions in the form of inoculations or other preventive medicines are routinely required, and some locations require special precautions regarding food and water consumption and personal safety. The contractor must, therefore, be sufficiently physical fit to ensure the rigors of travel to accomplish assigned duties.

The Architect may be exposed to the conditions and hazards associated with construction sites, as well as a range of outdoor weather conditions and/or settings without adequate heat, air conditioning, ventilation, or potable drinking water, while on overseas travel.

The Architect must be available to work extended work hours in conjunction with contractor schedules while at overseas project sites, if required.

The Architect must be a US Citizen.

Ian, Evan & Alexander Corporation (IEA) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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